Time to get this party started

Monday, July 30, 2012

Hello, my name is Doug and as you might be able to tell from my list of teams, I'm from Michigan. I want to officially warn anyone reading this that this is my first attempt at blogging. I apologize up front for any spelling and grammar mistakes I will make. Thank the Lord for spell check!

Anyway, I've been "large" all of my life, but have decided in recent times that it's time to lose some weight and get in shape. 3 years ago this August, just prior to starting class to become a Medical First Responder, I went to my wife's Dr for a physical and to get all of the necessary paperwork filled out. That was the beginning of the "Meds List" with blood pressure medication.

Fast forward a few months, it was determined that bad side effects required a medication change. The new medication also required another medication due to some common side effects. This was medication #2.

After (2) winters of class (2) nights a week, all while working a regular day job, my weight ballooned to over 300 Lbs. Closer to 350 Lbs, actually. This prompted me to get a gym membership and start working out. A move I don't regret, but also don't use much. Between working OT at work and my regular shifts as a MFR in my township, time is limited.

Hit the fast forward button just one more time, to April of this year. For many years, I would occasionally have a sore wrist. I never gave it much thought as I messed it up when I was a teenager and spent 6 glorious weeks in a cast. But, this one Thursday morning was much different. It was so bad, I could not get dressed. Let me say, I now know what it feels like to be paralyzed in my hand. Before anyone calls me out on that statement, I had zero use of my left hand, besides the severe pain just from moving it . I have never experienced this condition before. This prompted a trip to the doctor. He did several tests and declared that I had Gout. Great! That bring on medication #3.

Now, after researching Gout, it is said that diuretics can cause Gout attacks. I don't know if this was really the cause (although, I say it was because I don't like taking medication) but I made the promise to myself to get in shape and get off all of the medications....

WOUBBIE
You're making a great first step! I think the best thing about Sparkpeople is the accountability factor. You check in here daily and it's a reminder that there are lots of other people out there facing the same dilemmas, battles, and successes as you. I know it certainly helps to keep me focused.

I'm the leader of the gout team (don't have it myself, just signed on to help one of the current team members keep it active) but you can usually find me on the Living Low Carb (Atkins and other plans) team. If you're really interested in losing those meds it is definitely a team to consider, lol!